Tunisia is a gentle introduction to North Africa, with its friendly Berber people and temperate climate. We traverse this diverse country from the Mediterranean to the Sahara, visiting spectacular Roman sites, mountainous fortified kasbahs and the shady forests of the north. We visit the UNESCO holy site of Kairouan and the area around Matmata, which is home to a number of troglodyte dwellings, a dramatic landscape often used by Hollywood. Heading south, we enjoy an unforgettable experience of a camel trek into the desert.

Itinerary

2Day 2Tour of Tunis medina and Bardo Museum; afternoon to explore UNESCO site of Carthage and pretty Sidi Bou Said.

We explore Tunis renowned Medina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will then visit the Bardo museum, which is housed in a former royal palace. The building itself is beautiful and surrounded by gardens. The museum contains a huge collection of Roman mosaics, Greek bronze statuary and Islamic artefacts. After lunch we will move to the Phoenician trading port of Carthage, once the second most important city of the Roman Empire. A little further north of Carthage is the charming village of Sidi Bou Said, originated around the tomb of a 13th century holy man. We wander through quiet back streets past traditional white houses. From here we return to Tunis, where we spend the night.

Today we drive to Kairouan. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Islam's fourth most holy centre. The Great Mosque is one of the most important in Tunisia. This is followed by a visit to the extraordinary amphitheatre of El Djem, considered by many to be finer than Rome's Colosseum and we finish our day in Mahrès, where we spend the night.

We continue our journey across the rocky desert to Matmata home to the troglodytes, people who live underground. Matmata has become famous in more recent years for featuring in the series of the Star Wars films. We visit what remains of the original film set and nearby troglodyte homes. Continuing onto Kebili, we meet with the camel drivers for a trek into the Sahara. You will see the cooks and camel drivers cook the traditional food, and bake bread in the sand. We are then entertained after dinner by the camel drivers playing traditional music around the campfire. We have dinner and overnight in a Bedouin camp.
See more images and videos

5Day 5Drive to Tozeur at edge of Sahara; afternoon visit to medina.

After a second early camel trek, we drive across the 2,000 square miles of the Chott El Djerid (salt lake), which appears mirage-like against the sand, before reaching Tozeur. This town has earned a reputation for the lush beauty of its oasis in which 400,000 date palms thrive and is now a popular tourist destination. In the afternoon we visit the famous Medina (Old Town) famous for its traditional desert houses that sport decorative brick facades of intricate patterns.See more images and videos

In the morning we head to the beautiful date-palm oasis by horse-drawn carriages. Tozeur's palm forest is Tunisia's largest oasis, covering over 2,500 acres. Below the shade of more than 400,000 date-palm trees a series of red-dirt paths wind through a wonderland of lush agricultural land. Here we have time to enjoy the tranquil and serene atmosphere walking through the green vegetation, before heading back to Tozeur where we have some free time in the afternoon. Optional activities including a visit to Sahara Lounge, an eco-friendly activity park, or the Eden Palm museum can be arranged locally.See more images and videos

7Day 7Drive to the Berber village of Kesra; visit Roman site of Makthar and continue to the mountain town of Le Kef.

This morning we drive to Kesra, an authentic Berber hilltop village. Here we have the chance to visit a museum which displays the life of Berber people over 2900 years ago. After lunch we visit the Roman site of Makthar and continue to the charming mountain town of Le Kef, which clings to the side of the cliff.See more images and videos

8Day 8To Roman ruins at Dougga and Andalucian city of Testour; to Tunis for overnight stay.

We drive to the Roman site at Dougga, which was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. It is the largest in Tunis and considered the most magnificent. We continue to the Andalucian city of Testour, founded by Andalucian Muslims evicted from Spain in the 1600s. The square is very Spanish in style and the Great Mosque dominates the old town. Overnight in Tunis.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are healthy, enjoy the outdoors and want a relaxing trip. No experience is required.

What's included

What's included

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Arrival & departure transfers

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Airport departure tax (30 Dinars)

Accommodation details

Hotels & Camping

You will spend 7 nights in hotels, normally with en suite facilities, and 1 night camping in the desert. Normally we use hotels of 2-3 star Tunisa standard, although these are below the same ratings in Europe. Most rooms have private facilities and are normally on a twin-share basis but occasionally three people will share a room.

The tented accommodation is very basic and you will have a choice if you would like to say in 2 man tents or a communal tent, in true Bedouin tradition. Blankets and mattresses are provided. In case of bad weather or sand storm then you will spend the night at a hotel in Kebili.

Single supplements are available on request from £100 (includes single tent)

Essential info

Please be aware of the following points before confirming your place on the trip:
The roads in Tunisia are reasonably good and driving conditions are easy for most of the trip. Some of the driving days are reasonably long (4-5 hours is the norm for journeys described in the itinerary). This tour is generally not demanding but you should bear in mind that it may get cold at night and early morning from December to March so please pack appropriate clothing. This trip has been graded as a Grade 1 leisurely trip, meaning that this trip is suitable for all people who are in good health and fitness.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners included. In the itinerary we state which meals are included on each day.
Generally Tunisian food is simple but very tasty and small restaurants are to be found everywhere. Prices are reasonable. In main towns it is possible to find good French and Tunisian restaurants where a meal and French wine could cost £20 (approx. US$30) or more. A dinner can cost anywhere between £5-10 (US$8-15) depending on what you drink - a good estimate on food would be £12-15 (US$20-25) a day. Local beers and soft drinks are available at a very reasonable price, but you can pay UK prices or more for imported alcohol.

Vegetarians can be catered for. However, clients who have special dietary requirements should contact us to discuss if they can be accommodated.

Ramadan
Please note that the Muslim month of Ramadan will take place from 18th June - 17th July 2015 (dates can shift slightly). This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However we will ensure that that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

In the summer months the daytime temperatures are around 30degC. In the winter months the daytime temperatures are around 14 to 21degC with night temperatures falling to 6 to 11degC. The days should be clear and sunny. The temperatures in the south are generally a couple of degrees higher. There is a chance of rain from October to April and especially on the desert nights the temperature may fall below freezing.

Gallery

Reviews & community

A really good introduction to Tunisia. We arrived just a week after the Bardo Museum attack, but I never felt in danger, due in large part to the relaxed nature of our tour leader, and the care with which the population takes of it's tourists.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Bardo Museum visit, just over a week after the attack. The contrast between the memorial outside the museum, to the bullet holes inside the museum, to the stunning mosaics on display brought out just about every emotion possible.

What did you think of your group leader?

Amine our tour leader was excellent. Probably the best tour leader I've come across in the 7 now that I've encountered on Exodus tours. Nothing was too much trouble, from tailoring our tour to have more time at the Bardo Museum, to making sure we had doughnuts in Tunis! Sharing his first time back at the Bardo after the attack was a special moment

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It might be a desert, but make sure you take mosquito repellent for the sahari camping, I didn't and got well bitten!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The desert camping was maybe a little more basic than advertised - understandable given the change in fco advice, and actually I think I enjoyed it all the more.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trip is a great way to see Tunisia, a lot is packed in to 9 days, it was well organised, and having a great guide only enhanced the holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moments of the trip was the visits to the Roman Colosseum at El Djem, and the Roman site at Dougga.

What did you think of your group leader?

Amine was a great guide, he was very friendly and knowledgeable, and nothing was to much trouble, he was very informative about the history of Tunisia. We also had a good driver, Eddie made us feel safe with his good driving.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It say in the trip notes about taken lightweight walking boots, I found the this was not necessary, as you mainly only walk in paved areas.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would definitely recommend this trip, as there is lots to see, we went at the end of November, and it got warmer as the week went on, it got up the high 20c on the last day, my only disappointment was not visiting the star wars set, but this was down to the advice from the foreign office.

Having spent her childhood on the family farm in Somerset, it was only natural that Diane would grow up seeking out wildlife tours. One of her most exciting experiences was on the Exodus Gorilla's & Masai Mara trip and next up she's looking forward to meeting the pandas in China! With over a decade's travel experience under her belt, Diane is happy to help you plan your perfect adventure holiday!

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Do I really have to ride a camel?!

Riding a camel is a fun and truly memorable experience and, although it can be a bit bumpy at times, it is a true taste of this part of the world and shouldn't be missed. Saying that, if you really would rather not do it, you can always walk alongside the group, but this will be hot and tiring - much easier just to jump on board!

Danuta Janik - Morocco Operations

What should I do about money for Tunisia?

For this trip, taking sterling cash and changing it locally will be fine. The local currency is the Tunisian dinar, which can be easily obtained on arrival. Tunis and Djerba also have plenty of ATMs in case you need to top up as well.

Carl Jackson - Sales

What footwear is best for Tunisia?

Some lightweight walking boots with ankle support would be best, with something comfortable for the evenings. Canvas shoes or even sandals will be fine.

Diane Knight - Sales

What kind of clothing is best in a Muslim country?

You are visiting a predominantly Muslim country, therefore you should dress modestly at all times when visiting cultural sites, and there may also be times when you are asked to 'cover up'. During your trip the tour leader will always advise you on appropriate dress for each day's activities.

If you are asked to 'cover up', you'll need to cover your shoulders, arms and legs. We recommend packing lightweight trousers or a long skirt, and a long sleeved shirt. Women may also be required to cover their hair with a scarf if entering a mosque or religious quarters.

Jim Eite - Product Manager

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

How do I join the Departure Lounge (forum) in the Exodus Community?

To view the Forums, including the Departure Lounge, you do not need to be member of the Exodus Community, simply click on the Community link at the top of every page and read the posts in their respective sections by entering the Departure Lounge, or one of the other options in the list on the page.

To join in a discussion, if already a member, please sign in to your Exodus website account (not related to booking reservations) to contribute to the Forum. If you are not a member of the Exodus Community, you can register by clicking the 'Sign in' at the top of every webpage and select ‘Register’ within the drop down panel.

When viewing the Forum area of the website, as you scroll through the 'Rooms' which are set out by 'travel months' during the current year within the Departure Lounge. You can then select the 'month' of intended travel, then filter the list of trips that have already been created by fellow travellers to see if your trip is listed. If the trip you are travelling on is not in the list, you can start the process by clicking on the 'Post new forum topic' link above the list on the same page. If you do see your trip within the list, select it to view the 'discussion' by your fellow travellers and you can join in by completing the 'Post your comment' section below the discussion thread.

Please note: there might be slight a delay before your post/comment appears as intended because we moderate what is published on the website.

We hope you enjoy using the Departure Lounge to meet your fellow travellers and continue to contribute right up to the start of your journey with Exodus.

You recently looked at

From the social networks

Exodus Travels
Have you herd the news?
Our International Sales Manager and photography enthusiast Andrew Appleyard is just back from the Masai Mara where ... The news from the Mara plains is that the migration has arrived and our International Sales Manager has captured some superb photos of the action... The Great Migration Through a Lens1 day 7 hours ago.

Responsible travel

We realise that every holiday destination is also
someone else's home and that we should leave places as we found them. Find out
more about how we incorporate
responsible travel into our adventure and activity holidays, and how you
can help by donating to one of our
responsible travel projects